If you are anything like me, you spend a good deal of time in your vehicle. This can be your daily commute to work, running errands like grabbing groceries or traveling to visit family. Regardless, our vehicles are our “temporary homes” more often than we think. You can play some sweet tunes in traffic, try, and inhale a burger scootin’ down the highway, and call a loved one on Bluetooth to pass the time. With all that being said, we should put a little bit of thought into what we have in our vehicles for gear, tools, and essentials in case something goes wrong (Murphy’s Law).
The number one thing many of us may think of is a firearm. This is a valid thing to consider when traveling, but you need to assess how it will be stored. Your vehicle – as a whole – should never be deemed as a safe for your firearm unless you have an actual, secure lockbox that someone cannot smash- n-grab on you. The other situation in which I have a firearm in my vehicle, and it is not in a safe, is when my everyday carry (EDC) might be uncomfortable when driving so I stick it in the side door or center counsel, but only temporarily until I park.
Other tools you might want to have rapid access to could be a knife and/or flashlight. For some people, that is already a part of their EDC tool belt when they walk out the door every day. If it is not for you, you might want to consider leaving one of each in a glove box or center counsel. If you have car troubles at night a flashlight can shed some light on the situation, and knives have all kinds of utility outside of cutting things. I have improperly but effectively used a knife as a flathead screwdriver, to fray wires, eat a sandwich, break down cardboard boxes, and much more.
Some higher-level items you might want to consider having are a medical kit, snacks, and maybe even a fire extinguisher. A medical kit is always a good idea because cuts and bruises are common, but in the event of a car accident in remote areas, you might need to treat yourself before any ambulance or EMS (emergency medical services) can reach you. Snacks are a good idea so you don’t get low blood sugar (whether you are diabetic or not) which ensures you can safely drive for longer periods of time. Finally, a fire extinguisher is a good idea because vehicles can frequently overheat. The last thing you want on a road trip is for your vehicle to overheat and that turns into a full-on car fire.
Thinking more specifically about your vehicle, I also like to keep a small tool set like a socket set and wrenches, in case you need to do emergency maintenance on your vehicle. Also, jumper cables to assist other stranded motorists, and yourself.
The last and final thing I keep hidden in the vehicle – and don’t laugh – is a roll of TP. You never know when nature calls and it comes in handier than you think if you are big on hiking, camping, and being in the outdoors. All things to consider storing in your vehicle! Until next time, continually check out our blog, join our newsletter, and watch the website for new and exciting updates! As always, let us know all your thoughts in the comments below. We love it when you participate in our articles and keep the conversation going!
